Journey Home by Yoshiko Uchida, illustrated by Charles Robinson

This is a story about a Japanese American family who travels from a concentration camp back to their home in California during World War II. The little girl, Yuki, and her family suffer hardships during their journey. When they arrive Yuki feels scared and very unwelcomed because of the prejudices that people have toward Japanese Americans. Not only is Yuki unwelcomed, but she is also dealing with sadness from her brother's injury in the war as well as her best friend's change in attitude toward her. She longs to go back to the times before the war. Yuki is a prime example of a child with courage and determination.

I really like the fact that this story is such a heartwarming culturally diverse story, but also that it teaches children some history about one of the most difficult times that our world has ever seen. World War II changed the world and along with that changed people, families, and the feelings and relationships the human society had on one another. This story reflects the hatred and fear in some and the love and support in others.

My reaction to this book was influenced by my interest in history and historical events such as World War II. I have always been interested in reading stories about the Jews, Adolph Hitler, and the sadness that the war brought on so many people around the world. I had never read a book about the effect it had on the Japanese community until I read this particular story. I gained much insight into the hardships and challenges that this particular community had to overcome.

Yoshido Uchida has written several children's books. Some of the books he has writen are as follows: The Sea of Gold: And Other Tales from Japan, The Rooster Who Understood Japanese, The Bracelet, and A Jar of Dreams. Yoshiko Uchidna's stories reflect the Japanese society in a positive light. Her books tell Japanese folk tales as well as the events in history that have helped mold their culture. Journey Home is no exception. This story along with her other pieces provide historical content regarding her culture not only as a Japanese member of society but also as a Japanese American.

I learned much information about the Japanese American culture through reading Journey Home. This book would be a great book to read to younger students about diversity, but also to older elementary students about the history of our society and the critical role that events such as World War II have played on our society.